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V 














FUNERAL 



OF T H K 



Hon. NATHAN SMITH 



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PROCEEDINGS 



AT 



NEW HAVEN, 



IN RELATION TO THE DEMISE OF THE 

Hon. NATHAN SMITH 



AND THE 



FUNERAL SOLEMNITIES; 



WITH THE 



DISCOURSE, 



UELIVEREU ON THE OCCASION. 



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. -34-0 



Printed by Hezekiah Howe & Co. 



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p II c i: i: 1) I N c s. 



The HoQ. NATHAN Smith, a member of the Senate of the United States, from 
the state of Connecticut, expired suddenly at Wastiington, on the morning of the 
6th of December, 1835, in the 66th year of his age. 

After the receipt of the intelligence in New-Haven, the Bar, the Common Coun- 
cil, and the Vestry of Trinity Church, of which body he was a member, respect- 
ively held meetings to express their sympathy, and to make arrangements for the 
funeral solemnities. 



At a meeting of the Bar of New Haven County, specially convened in the Court 
room, on the 10th day of December, 1835, in consequence of the intelligence of 
the sudden decease of the Hon. Nathan Smith, at Washington, the Hon. David 
Daggett was appointed Chairmun, and R. I. IngersoU, Secretary. 

Oil motion, Messrs. R. S. Baldwin, R. I. IngersoU, and D. Kimberly, were ap- 
pointed a committee to propose resolutions to be submitted to the meeting; who 
reported the following, which were unanimously adopted: 

Rcsolced, That in common with our fellow citizens generallj', the members of 
this Bar have received with deep sensibility and sorrow, the painful intelligence 
of the sudden decease, at the city of Washington, on the 6th instant, of the Hon. 
Nathan Smith, a Senator of this State in the Congress of the United States, and 
long a distinguished member of this Bar. 

Resolved, That while we regard the death of this eminent ciiizcn as a great pub- 
lic bereavement, we feel in a peculiar manner an event which has deprived us of 
an associate and friend, whose distinguished talents and virtues had placed him in 
the front rank in our prol'ession, and whom we all regarded as the pride and orna- 
ment of our Bar. 

Resolved, That in testimony of our regard to the memory of the deceased, the 
members of this Bar will wear the usual badge of inourniiig for the period of thirty 
days ; and that, should the remains of the deceased be brought to this city for sepul- 
ture, we will in a body attend the funeral. 

Resolved, That the Chairman and Secretary of this meeting be a committee to 
communicate a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased, and to ex- 
press to them our sympathy on this mournful occasion. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be made known to the Court 
now in session, and that they be requested to order the same to be recorded, and 
also that they be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and published in the 
newspapers of this city. (Signed) 

Davio Daggett, Chairman. 
R. I. Int.ersoll, Secretary. 



At a meeting of the Common Council of the City of New Haven, specially con- 
vened, December lOlh. 1835: 

Resolved, That the members of this body have received with profound sorrow, 
intelligence of the death of the Hon. Nathan Smith, a Senator from this State in 
the Congress of the United States. 

Resolved, That justice to the deceased, who was alike distinguished for talents 
and usefulness, requires that every tribute of respect which can be accorded by 
his fellow-ciiizens should be paid to his memory. Therefore, 

Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to make proper arrange- 
ments for this purpo.se. 

Resolved, That the members of the Common Council wear the usual badge of 
mourning for thirty da3-s. Certified by 

Elisha Mcxson, City CUrk. 



At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church, New Haven, held Dec. 16, 1835, 
in consequence of the demise of the Hon. Natha.v Smith, the Rev. Dr. Cros- 
well was called to the Chair, and Dr. Charles Hooker appointed Clerk pro 
tem. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted: 
Resolved, That the Vestry have received with unfeigned sorrow the painful in- 
telligence of the sudden death of the highly respected and esteemed member of 
this body, the Hon. Nathan Smith, while attending to his duties as a Senator of 
the United States at the City of Washington. 

Resolved, That this Vestry, for themselves, and in behalf of the Church, of 
which the deceased was a devoted member, present to his family and relatives the 
assurance of their most sincere condolence and sympathy. 

Resolved, That the members of this Vestry, as a tribute of respect to the memory 
of the deceased, will wear the cusloraaiy badge of mourning for thirty days; and 
that Col. "William Moseley, Francis B. Wiuthrop, and John Beach, Esqrs., be n 
Committee for consulting with the friends and relatives of the deceased, and for 
making suitable arrangements for the funeral solemnities, when the remains shall 
be received from the city of WashiiiL^ton. 

IIakrv Cboswei.l, Chairman. 
Charlrs Hooker, Clerk pro It m. 



FUNERAL SOLEMNITIES, 



The remains of Mr. Smith arrived at New Haven, in the Steam Boat, on Sat« 
urday, the IDlh of December, — when, pursuant to the arrangements of the Com- 
mittee, the bell of Trinity Church commenced tolling, and the Vestry of Trinity 
Church, the Bar, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the city, repaired 
in carriages to the Boat, and attended the body to the house of AVm. M'Crackan, 
Esq. the brother-in-law of the deceased. — On Monday the 2lst, at 10 o'clock, 
A. M. the body was borne in procession, from the house of Mr. M'Crackan, to 
Trinity Church, where the prescribed services were performed by the Rev. Mr. 
Bennett, the assistant minister, and the .subjoined discourse delivered by the Rev. 
Dr. Croswell, the Rector, of the parish. — The procession was then formed, and 
moved to the grave in the following order. 

The Rev. Clergy. 
Pall Bearers. 

*i 

Hon. Simeon Baldwin. ffi Hon. David Daggett. 

Dr. .^neas Monson, James Goodrich, Esq. 

Charles Atwater, Esq. q Abraham Healon, Esq. 

R. I. Ingersoll, Esq. b Dennis Kimberly, Esq. 

■ 

Family and Relatives of the deceased. 

Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church, 

Members of the Bar. 

Governor of the State, and 

Judges of the U. S. and State Courts. 

Sheriff of the County, and other officers 

of the several Courts. 

Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the City. 

Officers of Yale College. 

Citizens. 

The burial service was performed at the grave by the Rev. Dr. Croswell. 



NoTK. — The subjoined discourse is published with the other proceedings, at the 
request of the Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church. 



THE DISCOURSE. 



I. Samcki., XX. 3. 
There is hut a step between me and death. 

It is not because death is a rare occurrence, nor be- 
cause it seldom comes suddenly and unexpectedly, that 
we do not realize, and apply to ourselves, the solemn 
truth conveyed in the words of the text. Had divine 
revelation given us no such admonition ; had no such 
sentiment escaped the lips of David ; still, there is a 
voice that is never silent — the sound is borne on every 
breeze — it is confirmed in the observation of every day — 
that there is but a step between Hfe and death — a little 
step between the busy occupations of this world, and 
the never-ending concerns of that which is to come. 
No man is ignorant of his destiny. No man is permit- 
ted to forget that he is mortal. He knows that the ir- 
revocable decree has gone forth ; and that, from the be- 
ginning, in obedience to this decree, the dust has re- 
turned to the earth as it was, and the spirit has return- 
ed to God who gave it. But poor humanity recoils at 
the thought of death ; the reflection comes over the soul 
in terror, and spreads dread and dismay around the fair- 
est scenes of life. Hence, we intuitively fiiil to appro- 
priate to ourselves, the appalling admonition — there is 
but a step between me and death — and endeavor to re- 
press the considerations, which such a declaration is 
calculated to awaken. 



8 

But there are times and occasions, when the voice of 
God seems to speak more distinctly — when the aflecting 
truth comes home with more potency to the heart — and 
when its thrilhng accents produce a more ahiding ef- 
fect. And is not this such a time, and such an occa- 
sion ? We are assemhled, not only to pay the last sad 
tribute of respect, esteem, and aflection, to the memory 
of a departed friend — not only to mingle our sympathet- 
ic tears with those of relatives, w ho are most deeply af- 
flicted and sorely bereaved; but also to meditate on 
that mysterious dispensation of providence, by which, 
suddenly, and at a moment unexpected, a beloved tel- 
low-citizen has been cut down in the midst of his active 
and useful labors ; thus adding to the accumulated ev- 
idence of the uncertainty of life, and giving peculiar 
force to the warning voice of our blessed Saviour : — 
"iie yc also readij : for hi such an hour as ye think 
7iot, the Son of man conieth.''' 

Direct us, therefore, O Lord, by thy heavenly grace, 
in our present reflections and meditations; and enable 
us, we beseech thee, so to number our days, that ire 
may apphj our hearts unto wisdoiu. 

My beloved brethren, in performing my part of the 
solemn duties of this day. 1 feel a perfect consciousness 
of iny inability to do justice to the subject. 1 only 
speak the language of thousands — of all — when I say, 
that a safe counsellor — a faithful friend — a ])ublic ben- 
efactor — a devout Christian — a great man. and a good 
inan — has fallen. But who can draw the outlines of 
his character? Who can fill up. with suitable colors, 
the portraiture of hi.s life? Ami yet. every line of his 



9 

character, was distinct ami clear; and over no portion 
of his active Hfc, does a shade of obscurity rest. It is 
not because we are ignorant of either, but because we 
want tlic power of description, necessary to exhibit his 
life and character. 

Should we undertake to trace him in the relations of 
domestic life, and in the circles of private friendship, 
our language would appear but cold and frigid, when 
compared to that warm gush of affection, which drew 
every heart to him, and kindled up a congenial flame in 
every kindred bosom. We will not, therefore, obtrude 
upon this hallowed ground. We will not mock the 
grief of mourners, by an ineffectual attempt to render 
the full tribute, which this endearing trait in his char- 
acter deserves. 

But, on other points, we may feel less reserve. 

He was a safe counsellor. In proof of this, we 
might appeal to the experience of a whole community. 
Few men ever enjoyed, to such an unlimited degree, 
the confidence of his fellow-men. His counsel was 
sought with freedom ; because no reasonable applica- 
tion was ever repelled ; and because, when obtained, 
his judgments seldom proved erroneous. Applications 
of this nature, often gave him an opportunity to exer- 
cise the delightful office of a peace-maker ; and many, 
perhaps of my present audience, can testify, with what 
satisfaction to himself, and with what happy results to 
others, this duty was performed. His was the rare 
talent, of convincing men against their will, and still 
retaining their confidence — of repelling and overturn- 



10 

ing prc-conceived opinions, Avithoiit forfeiting tlie good- 
will of those with whom he ditlcred. And such was his 
reputation for prudence and sound discretion, tliat even 
where he failed to convince, no one ventured to under- 
value his decisions. 

He was a faitiifil friexd. lie was not indiscrimi- 
nate in forming, nor forward in professing, a friendly 
relationship. But when the hond was once formed, he 
held it sacred; and never failed, by his practice, to 
render profession needless. I address many, who will 
require no other proof or illustration of this remark, 
than the prompt response of their own feelings. Many 
a heart will long cherish a grateful recollection of the 
untiring and undeviating fidelity, with which he ful- 
fdled the highest and dearest obligations of a friend — 
an honorable, devoted, and disinterested friend. 

He was a public benefactor. T^ook round upon the 
various institutions, which render your city the pride 
and ornament of your state : — the public works — the ex- 
tendins improvements — the numerous plans for increas- 
ing and perpetuating your prosperity — and you w ill find 
every where, the visible impress of his powerful hand, 
and an exhibition of the resources of his capacious mind. 
His time, his talents, and his pecuniary means, were 
freely devoted, without stint or reservation, to every 
object in which the ])ermanrnt interests of the commu- 
nity were concerned. He waited not to tbllow in the 
train of others. He shrunk not from the responsibility 
of standing forward as a leader in every laudable en- 
terprise. Decision, energy, perseverance, were the 
cardinal points by which he was governed. He laid 



11 

his foundations broad and deep ; and tliis being done, 
he turned not back from his purpose, till he saw his 
work carried on, and fuiished, and the top-stone placed 
upon its summit. And was this the work of a man of 
leisure ? Far from it. It was amid the cares and du- 
ties of a most laborious profession, that all this was 
accomplished. 

And I shall not be accused of speaking invidiously, 
when I say, that in his profession, as a hiicyer, he 
stood pre-eminent. By a long course of unwearied in- 
dustry — by continual and close application — and by 
the most unimpeachable integrity — he gained a repu- 
tation, equalled by few, and excelled by none. His in- 
timate knowledge of human nature, and his keen dis- 
cernment, gave him almost unlimited success in his 
profession. He was enabled to search out the hidden 
springs of action — to sift motives — to weigh tendencies 
— and to draw out and exhibit, what might appear 
dark and intricate to others, in lines as clear and lucid 
as a sunbeam. In this profession, and in all the walks 
of life, he exhibited the marks of a truly great man. 
Integrity — a high sense of honor — magnanimity — gen- 
erosity and liberality — all combined to secure to him 
the respect, and confidence, and esteem, of his fellow- 
men. 

But he was not permitted to exhibit these qualities 
in private stations alone. Often was he called, by the 
unsolicited suffrages of his fellow-citizens, to occupy 
the high places in his native state. And finally, with 
a unanimity altogether unprecedented, was he elevated 
to a seat in the highest legislative council of the na- 



12 

tion. And it was here, at the moment when he was 
entering upon a new term of service in that dignified 
body, that he was called, suddenly, and without a mo- 
ment's warning, to rest from his earthly labors, and to 
render up an account of his stewardship. 

Here, then, we turn away from the contemplation of 
the great man, and dwell, even with increased satisfac- 
tion, upon his character as a good man. In tracing 
him in life, it was proper to speak of his greatness ; but 
now that he is prostrate in death, his goodness should 
constitute the theme of our commendation, and the 
ground of our hope and consolation. The great men 
of the earth, must soon descend to one common level ; 
but good men shall live on, in the memory of their fel- 
low-men, until thrones, and dominions, and kingdoms, 
shall vanish away ; and still shall they live on, in bliss 
unspeakable, in the bright mansions of the Father^s 
house, whose foundations are eternal. 

In speaking of our departed friend, as a good man, I 
mean to employ no vague or indefinite language. He 
was a CiinisTiAN — an exemplary Christian. As such 
he lived — as such he died. In his religious character, 
there was nothing obtrusive or ostentatious. He en- 
tered into his Christian relationship, with childlike do- 
cility and meekness. And in his daily duties, it was 
evidently his highest desire, to fill up the measure of 
the divine reipiirements. to do jnsth/. to lore 7neretf, 
and to iraJk hiDnhhf irilli his Cod. I5ut still, his whole 
conduct furnished abiiiKhmt ))r(»(>f. that he was not 
ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Regular, uniform, 
and constant, in his observance of all the external forms 



13 

and ordinances of his churcli, he presented liimself as a 
humble and devoted supj)licant at the foot of the cross. 
He looked for salvation, through the merits of Christ 
alone ; and in His mercy, he manifestly placed the 
most implicit trust and confidence. 15ut his was a faith, 
neither dead nor unprofitable. It was an oj)erative 
principle, constantly working by love, and bringing 
forth the abundant fruits of righteousness. Having be- 
lieved in God, he was ever careful to maintain good 
works : — Thus uniting in his profession and practice, 
the graces of external order, with the beauty of holi- 
ness ; and exhibiting throughout, the admirable charac- 
teristics, which constitute the great and good man. 

Such a man has fallen : — and a whole community is 
in tears. Not near relatives, and affectionate friends, 
and intimate acquaintances alone : but all, without 
distinction of age or condition, come to sympathize 
with the afllicted, and to weep with those that weep. 
All come to unite with the church of his affections, to 
manifest by their silent grief, their deep sense of the 
amazing loss which they have sustained. And such a 
manifestation, is not only fit and proper in itself, but it 
is also salutary in its efi'ects. It is a tribute justly due 
to departed worth — a tribute, which involuntarily bursts 
from the sensitive heart, and awards to the memory of 
the good man, the sweetest incense that earth can ofier. 
And what an incentive to others, to follow so bricht 
an example ! What noble emulation docs it awaken ! 
What an ardent desire to hold the same place in the 
affections of men ! How is every heart moved to ejac- 
ulate — '• Let me die the death of the rii^htcous. and let 
7ny last end he I ike his / *' 



14 

But, brethren, amid the solemnities of this day — 
amid our sympathies and our tears — let us not tbrget 
the great duty that we owe to ourselves. Let us med- 
itate on the affecting case before us. Let us apply the 
solemn truth that it awakens, to our own condition. 
Let us reflect, that we stand, as it were, upon the brink 
of an awful precipice, and that a single step may termi- 
nate our earthly journey, and bring us into the imme- 
diate presence of our God. Let us pause, and ask, 
Why are we still exempt ? By what miracle of mer- 
cy, are we spared, while our friend is called into eter- 
nity ? We possess the same mortal body — the same 
fleeting breath — the same perishing nature. We are 
subject to the same diseases, and exposed to the same 
dangers; and we lie under the same general sentence 
of death. In wisdom and righteousness, however — in 
kindness and compassion — a just and merciful God has 
spared us. And lor what purpose has this goodness 
been extended to us ? Certainly not to encourage us 
with the delusive hope of further forbearance : but to 
afford us an opportunity to improve by the iini)rrssive 
lessons which he spreads before us. We are taught 
by the daily instances of mortality, and more especial- 
ly by the present case, that there is but a step beficeen 
us and death: and although it is so ordered in the 
counsels of heaven, that our friend has passed away a 
little before us, yet we must be sensible, that we are 
treading close upon his footsteps, and shall soon reach 
the goal, to which every fleeting breath is hastening 
us. This is the momentous truth, which the solenmi- 
ties of this day should teach us. And though there 
may be many who will not realize it, there must be 
others, who cannot turn with indillerence from the ap- 



15 

plication of the lesson. To those who have passed the 
meridian of life, no truth can be more apparent, than 
that which our subject teaches. To those whom time 
has made familiar with many annual revolutions — who 
have seen a long course of years pass by them, like the 
shadows of a summer cloud — and who have, during 
their protracted pilgrimage, parted with many a cotem- 
porary and companion, many a near and dear friend — 
to these, it is no strange or unaccustomed reflection — 
it is no new and startling declaration — that a few more 
steps, at most, must bring them to the closing scenes of 
their journey. They know and feel, that " death, like 
a narrow sea," is all that divides them from an eternal 
state. And shall we not all, with that intensity of in- 
terest which the case demands, endeavor to make a 
profitable use of this affecting lesson ? Shall not the 
reflections of this instructive hour, inspire us with in- 
creased motives to activity and diligence, and awaken 
in us a just apprehension of the danger of deferring any 
duty, which the good of souls may require, or the glory 
of God demand ? You have witnessed, in the sudden 
departure of your honored friend, such an exemplifica- 
tion of the truth of our text, as to leave you no room 
for deceptive calculations. You perceive, that in self- 
security there is danger — that in all dependence upon 
the future, a fatal mistake may be committed — and that 
you may now be treading the last and only step which 
remains between you and death. You will not, then, 
venture to defer those preparations which you deem 
essential to your future peace. You cannot, nor will 
not, be persuaded, to depend on other times and oppor- 
tunities, to finish the work of your probation. Do I 
not see your lamps already trimmed and burning ? Do 



IG 

I not see you, even now, ready to go forth and meet 
your liord ? *•* Blessed are those servants^ ithom the 
LoiuL ichcn he cometli. shall fin ft watehing. And if he 
shall eome in the second watch, or come in the third 
watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants,''^ 






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